Fall Colors
From Central Park to Tokyo, autumn is leaf-peeping time. Here’s when the foliage is at its peak:
New York City:
Mid-October-early November
Aspen, CO:
September
Vermont:
September
Japan:
October-November
Amalfi Coast, Italy:
October-November
Paris:
October
Loire Valley, France:
September-October
Bordeaux, France:
September-October
Great Trips Now
For ideal weather (and often, smaller crowds), head to these global destinations between September and November:
Asia
China:
Autumn is known throughout China as the most pleasant time of the year, with mild temperatures and little rain. Exploring Guilin’s misty mountains and viewing the year’s recently born panda cubs are just a few highlights of the season.
Bhutan:
Festivals are a highlight of travel in Bhutan; the largest and most colorful happen between Sep-Nov. This is also the best weather window, offering pleasant temperatures and clear blue skies.
Japan:
Autumn is a particularly good time to travel throughout most of Japan; the weather from Sep-Nov is warm, clear and dry, with vivid fall colors appearing in Hokkaido in October and peaking across most of Honshu in November.
Europe
Italy:
The summer crowds have dispersed, the locals have returned and the weather has cooled—now’s the time to visit tourist meccas like Florence, Rome, Venice and Taormina.
Wine Regions, France:
Autumn in Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Loire Valley means harvest festivals and fall colors (though many of the chateaux are closed to visitors during harvest, some offer special behind-the-scenes harvest tours).
Greece:
Warm seas, pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists make Sep-Oct the ideal time to take a cruise of the Cyclades islands. Athens is also at its best.
Africa
Egypt
&
Morocco:
Sep-Nov is an ideal time for a Nile cruise—temperatures are warm and dry, and there are fewer crowds. In Oct-Nov, Morocco’s weather is pleasant both inland and on the coast. During Ramadan (Aug 14-Sep 23), many shops, museums and restaurants are closed during the day, but the evening hours buzz with activity.
Botswana
&
Tanzania:
In Botswana, wildlife viewing is most predictable in the dry season (Jul-Oct), after the Okavango Delta has flooded. In Tanzania, this is the time of the massive Serengeti migration—an experience not to be missed. It’s also peak tourist season, so be sure to book ahead.
Australia
Flinders Ranges:
The spring months (Sep-Nov) offer warm clear days, cool nights, and abundant wildflowers.
Kakadu:
September here means warm to hot days with low humidity and a small chance of rain—it’s the best time to see wildlife.
Red Center (Uluru-Kata Tjuta):
The Red Center is ideal from Sep-Oct, when daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm and nights are cool but not cold.
Sydney:
Spring in Sydney (Sep-Nov) is warm, sunny and mild; October is especially ideal.
Argentina
Buenos Aires:
The city is at its best from Oct-Nov, when the jacaranda trees are in bloom, temperatures are pleasantly cool, and humidity is low.
Iguazu Falls:
Visit in Aug-Oct, when the weather is still relatively cool and dry, and the winter crowds have subsided.
Mendoza:
Spring in Mendoza means snow-capped peaks, lush green hills, and clear, sunny days—a perfect setting for sampling the area’s signature wines.
Plan Ahead
Start planning these trips now, to lock in the best guides and accommodations.
Botswana:
The Okavango Delta floods by June, attracting a multitude of wildlife between Jun-Nov. Book 1 year to 18 months ahead to get the guides and camps you want.
Tanzania:
During the dry season (Jul-Oct), animals gather at watering holes and massive herds migrate across the Serengeti. Book 1 year to 18 months ahead to get the guides and camps you want.
Bhutan:
The popular Black-Necked Crane Festival takes place Phobjika here on November 12. Bookings should be made 3-6 months in advance.
Hong Kong:
The Lunar New Year celebration features a spectacular parade and a massive fireworks display. In 2010, it falls on Feb 14—bookings should be made six months ahead.
Vietnam:
Tet (Lunar New Year) is Vietnam’s largest national holiday, with celebrations lasting a full week. As in China, Tet falls on Feb 14, and bookings should be made six months in advance.
Cambodia:
The three-day Water Festival, celebrating the reversal of the waters on Tonle Sap, is Cambodia’s largest annual festival. In 2009, it takes place Nov 1-3; book your trip three months in advance.
Australia:
Held in even years, the Adelaide Festival of Arts is one of the world’s great art events. It will be staged Feb 26-Mar 14, 2010—book now to secure your seats.
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